affordable communities around paoli or lankenauu hospital? (Philadelphia, Chester: low crime, homes)

[NYCperson]

hello!
we are considering a job at one of the following 2 hospitals: paoli or lankenauu. we are contemplating possible communities. we would love your help on recommendations. Here are our criteria, in no particular order.

This would be a starter home that we plan to live in for 5-6 years.

--3 br, 2 bath newish build single family or town/row/carriage house.

--price range $325-375k

--school district doesn't have to be AMAZING (like great valley or lower merion) but, for now, should be one that is pretty decent and safe (we plan on moving to a better district later, if need be). For example, we really liked some homes in Chester Springs, but it was much longer of a commute than we would like.

--commute is 20 minutes max (is this possible??)

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!!!

[NYCperson]

and i forgot to mention... lankenauu hospital is in wynnewood!

[thesixth]

Near Lankenau Hospital, you can try Havertown as a very affordable community that is within your commute limit. You may not be able to find a newer home, but there are some very well maintained older homes throughout Havertown.
Near Paoli, it will be harder to say because the costs of housing are higher & would likely go over your stated range. Also, the newer the construction, the higher the cost. Maybe try Newtown Square area or West Chester area?

[rainrock]

West Goshen/West Chester/Westtown are about 10 miles from Paoli. great affordable area to live. Excelllent schools, low crime very nice quality of life.

The mainline towns are very changeable, more diverse than Paoli depending on where you are. Bryn Mawr has $10 M dollar mansions on one side of town and duplexes that go for under $250K on the other side of town and everything else in between.


Good luck


Best Places to Live: Top 100 - West Goshen, Pa. (12) - Money Magazine


Money Magazine CNN.com Top 100 Best Places to live.


12. West Goshen, Pa.
Population: 9,100
Median home price (2006): $308,781
Average property taxes (2006): $4,068

Within 30 miles of both Wilmington, Del., and Philadelphia, West Goshen is within commuting distance of two major business hubs, but far enough removed from metropolis life to offer residents peace and quiet. In fact, the town - surrounded by rolling hills - is largely rural. The townspeople take advantage of the setting, especially in the summer, when they flock to outdoor theater at the local park. Another big draw is the annual July 4 parade - residents decorate their bicycles in patriotic themes. -B.N.